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DEVELOPMENT AND IMPACT OF JAINISM IN INDIA.... PUNJAB
The post of the treasurer of Maharaja Ranjeet Singh, the founder of Sikh empire, was always held by family of Jain Oswals of Ramnagar Nawab Wazir Khan of Sirhind had appointed Todermal Gadia Oswal Jain as the Diwan of the Revenue matters. Seth Sakhidas Jauhari of Samana, a Gadia Oswal, always used to send gift in the form of Ornaments or cash to the Nawabs at the time of the marriages of their daughters. When Guru Govind Singh, the tenth Guru of Sikhs, created his Khalsa army, at that time many Oswal Mahajans (businessmen) of Bikaner joined his army. These Oswals came to be known as 'Siddhu or 'Sandhu' At the behest of Maharaja of Patiala the Image worshipping Jain community in collaboration with Prem Sabha renovated the Gurudwara of Samana in 1945. The Jains, because of their deep attachment to the moral values of Truth and Non-violence, were known in Punjab as Bhavade (Bhav Bade) since ages. Many lanes and markets were known as Gali or Bazar 'Bhavadayan' where Jains lived or conducted business. Many Jains started wearing Khadi at the call of Mahatma Gandhi and many opted to go to Jails in the Freedom Movement. Even after the
independence many wore Kh'di for the whole of their life. Inter-relations :
The Oswal Jains and Khandelwal Jains of Punjab started dining and marrying with each other some 80-90 years ago. Ironically similar relationship between Oswal Jains and Agarwal Jains could not be established. However efforts in that direction are still continuing. Intercast marriages too are taking place now, though occasionally among boys and girls with high education and those placed in high or international posts. In the matter of marriages between Sthanakvasi or Mandir Margi Jains however, there are no inhibitions anymore.
Conclusion :
Whereas Achayra Vijaya Vallabh Suri (1870-1954) gave an ongoing message of Unity, Education and up-liftment of middle, it is gratifying to note that Dr. Shiva Muni Maharaj has started enlightening people of Sthanakvasi Samaj towards Tolerance, Religious Liberalism and Universal Education.
The Jain community of Punjab is advancing and progressing in collaboration with Jain & Non-Jain communities of Punjab as also other States steadily setting new dimensions in the fields of Industry, Trade, Health Services and higher Education & Projects of public welfare.
Reference : My essay / article on "Jainism in Punjab" Reference Books 1. Punjab and Madhya Asia in Jain Dharm (P. Hiralal Dugad - 1979)
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